Where the request happens

Supervised parenting time orders in Colorado are issued by the district court of the county where the domestic relations case is venued. For most of the Denver metro, that means the district courts of Denver (2nd Judicial District), Arapahoe (18th), Jefferson (1st), Adams (17th), or Douglas (23rd) counties. The request is typically made as part of an existing case — a dissolution of marriage, an allocation of parental responsibilities (APR) case, or a post-decree motion to modify an existing order.

The basic legal framework

Colorado courts begin with the principle that parenting time decisions are governed by the best interests of the child standard in C.R.S. § 14-10-124. To restrict parenting time — including requiring supervision — the court applies C.R.S. § 14-10-129, which provides that a court shall not restrict a parent's parenting time unless it finds that unrestricted parenting time would endanger the child's physical health or significantly impair the child's emotional development, and requires the court to enumerate the specific factual findings supporting any restriction.

For urgent situations, C.R.S. § 14-10-129(4) allows a parent to file a motion to restrict parenting time based on imminent physical or emotional danger to the child — and the court must set a hearing within 14 days when the allegations are facially sufficient. For background on the statutes, see our overview of Colorado parenting time law.

This page is not legal advice TruVisit Denver is a supervised visitation provider — not a law firm. Every case is different. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed Colorado family law attorney.

Step 1 — Identify the right motion or petition

  • No case open yet — File the underlying action (Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, or Petition for Allocation of Parental Responsibilities, Colorado form JDF 1413) and include a request for supervised parenting time in the proposed parenting plan (JDF 1113).
  • Case open, no orders yet — Request supervised parenting time as part of your proposed temporary orders or the proposed parenting plan submitted to the court.
  • Existing order needs to change — File a Motion to Modify Parenting Time (form JDF 1406) under C.R.S. § 14-10-129.
  • Emergency situation — File a Motion to Restrict Parenting Time under C.R.S. § 14-10-129(4). The court sets a hearing within 14 days when the motion alleges imminent physical or emotional danger to the child. Note: courts take misuse of this provision seriously — it is for genuine emergencies.

Step 2 — Gather your evidence

The strength of a supervised parenting time request depends almost entirely on the evidence you can present. Useful evidence categories:

  • Police reports involving the other parent
  • Colorado protection orders (active or historical)
  • Child welfare / county Department of Human Services records
  • Medical or therapy records (for the child, where appropriate)
  • Drug or alcohol test results
  • Text messages, voicemails, or emails showing concerning behavior
  • Witness affidavits
  • Photographs or video documentation, where relevant
  • Criminal records — public records or self-reported

Step 3 — File the petition or motion

File with the clerk of the district court where the case is venued. Colorado filings can be done in person or through the statewide Colorado Courts E-Filing system (mandatory for represented parties; self-represented parties can generally file in person or by paper). Pay the filing fee — or request a fee waiver using the Colorado Judicial Branch's fee waiver forms (JDF 205 and JDF 206) if you qualify.

Properly serve the other party — this is procedurally important. A process server can ensure service is done correctly.

Step 4 — Prepare for the hearing

The court will set a hearing. Bring everything: your evidence, any witnesses, and ideally counsel. Be specific in your request:

  • What conditions of supervised parenting time are you asking for? (Duration, location, frequency, who supervises)
  • What restrictions on contact between visits? (No phone calls, no overnights, etc.)
  • What "step-up" criteria are appropriate — what would need to happen to graduate to unsupervised parenting time?

Step 5 — If the court orders supervised parenting time

Once you have an order, you can engage a supervised visitation provider. TruVisit Denver activates most cases within 48–72 hours of intake. Have the signed court order ready when you call.

What if I'm the parent being subjected to supervised parenting time?

You have the right to be heard. You can:

  • Oppose the motion with your own evidence
  • Propose less-restrictive alternatives (monitored exchange, drug testing, parenting class completion)
  • Propose a specific provider, location, or schedule
  • Request that supervised parenting time be time-limited with clear step-up criteria

Many supervised parenting time arrangements result from a stipulated agreement between both parents — not a contested fight. A well-structured stipulated order can often produce a better outcome for everyone.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly can a Colorado court order supervised parenting time?
In an emergency, a motion to restrict parenting time under C.R.S. § 14-10-129(4) requires the court to set a hearing within 14 days. In a non-emergency, you'll typically wait weeks to months for a hearing. Once the order is signed, TruVisit Denver can activate most cases within 48–72 hours of intake.
Do I have to have an attorney to request supervised parenting time?
No. You can file pro se, and the Colorado Judicial Branch publishes standard JDF forms for self-represented parties. That said, family court is procedurally demanding and the cost of getting it wrong is high. Most parents who can afford counsel benefit from having one.
How long until the supervised parenting time order can be modified?
Under C.R.S. § 14-10-129, a Colorado court may modify parenting time whenever modification would serve the child's best interests, though restrictions require specific findings. Supervised parenting time orders can also include built-in step-up criteria — for example, moving to unsupervised time after a period of consistent, compliant visits.
Can the other parent refuse to comply with the order?
Refusing to comply with a Colorado court order can be contempt of court, which carries serious consequences. If a parent refuses to participate in court-ordered supervised parenting time, the appropriate remedy is to bring it back before the court — typically via a motion to enforce parenting time or a contempt citation.